Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Terrence Edwards celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal. (Graham Hughes/Canadian Press)

Terrence Edwards, one of the all-time greatest receivers in Winnipeg Blue Bombers history, announced his retirement Tuesday.

“I’ve had a great run in this league, and made countless friends and memories I will forever cherish,” Edwards said in a press release issued by the team on Tuesday.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Terrence Edwards celebrates after scoring a TD during a game in Winnipeg in August 2011. (Trevor Hagan/Canadian Press)“This city and the Blue Bomber organization have been so good to my family and me, and I just cannot thank them enough for everything they have done.

"Also, I would really like to acknowledge and thank the fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The support we get as players is amazing, and that is one of the best things I will take away from my time in Winnipeg.”

Edwards played college football at Georgia, where he set numerous records and remains one of the best receivers in Georgia Bulldogs history. He joined the CFL late in the 2005 season when he signed with the Montreal Alouettes.

He joined the Blue Bombers as a free agent in May of 2007 and in each of his seven seasons he never failed to gain at least 500 receiving yards.

He had five, 1,000-yard seasons in Winnipeg, and a total of 24 100-yard games, second only to Milt Stegall among all-time Bombers receivers.

But Edwards said several freak injuries last season gave him his cue to leave.

"I don't want to be one of those guys that walk away that can't walk," he told reporters by phone from Atlanta, Georgia.

"I got two young boys that love the game of sport, so I want to be able to run around with them and play football with them without having to take painkillers at the end of the day."

Edwards hangs up his cleats up sitting fourth all-time in receiving yards (7,200) and tenth in yards from scrimmage (7,273) as a Bomber.

Combined with his time in Montreal, Edwards has a CFL total of 508 catches for 7,637 yards and 47 touchdowns.

“Terrence will retire today as one of the best receivers in the history of this franchise. He was a leader of the club’s offence for many years, and players like him simply do not come along every day," Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said in a press release.

"He was a special player in our league, and we thank him for everything he has done for our organization."

Edwards was named to the Division All-Star team three times and twice to the All-CFL team in his career.

He led the Bombers in receiving in 2007, 2010 and 2011, with the 2010 campaign marking his career-highs of 1,372 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Edwards played in three Grey Cups, as a rookie with Montreal in 2005, and again in 2007 and 2011 with the Blue Bombers. He was never able to bring home a ring, however.

“He may be hanging them up, but he will always remain a member of the Blue Bomber family,” said Bombers president and CEO Wade Miller.